If you want mini one-minute episodes that scratch your Hoarders or Antique’s Roadshow itch, watch the Treasure Hunting series by extreme renovators Drew and Becky Bidlen. In 2023, the couple acquired a neglected 1894 Midwestern home and are sharing their extreme restoration journey on Instagram and TikTok—and will be sharing soon on YouTube. The Victorian home was in major disrepair and filled to the brim with stuff, which led to the discovery of numerous heirlooms.
The previous owners were hoarders and collectors, so not everything inside is junk. Though a good percentage is not salvageable, you never really know what else will pop up, which makes the series so addicting. In episode 2 (shared above), the couple tells the story of the first significant item they found before officially buying the house.
“I took this photo through the back door because it definitely confirmed to me that there was some treasure with the trash inside,” Bidlen explains in the video as she asks viewers to find the notable item. “I mean, look at the details of this marble table. It also came with four matching chairs.” The table and reupholstered chairs appear to be a late Victorian or Edwardian style, likely dating to the early 20th century (c. 1900–1920).
In another episode, the couple shares a collection of vintage coins, including 19th-century pieces and archaic $2 bills. These were hidden in nightstands, sock drawers, and closets. (Becky started cataloging the coins, and preliminary assessments suggest the collection’s value ranges between $11,000 and $50,000!)
The Bidlens also uncovered antique glassware and china, an antique camera, vintage jewelry, a record collection, old toys, a stamp collection, and a significant amount of Coca-Cola memorabilia. In the garden, they discovered colorful planter pots and antique garden furniture. The finds keep on coming!
While the restoration and cleaning is still a work in progress, the couple has integrated some reclaimed items—like antique furniture and decor—into their plans. Follow them for more on how they will fix up the house and what they plan to do with the collectible pieces they don’t plan on keeping.
